Claire Cottrell's Sweet Silver Lake Kitchen

Claire Cottrell wears many hats gracefully: she has a background in landscape architecture, freelances as a multimedia director, and owns the online art bookshop BOOK STAND. Lucky for us one more item to add to her lengthy list of talents and interests is cooking in her adorable Silver Lake, Los Angeles kitchen! It's small, efficient, and well-stocked with handmade pottery.

Claire recently moved into this apartment, tucked into the hillside of Silver Lake, Los Angeles. She decided on this particular unit because of its private garden lot. (She and a friend are hoping to plant a field of wildflowers to gaze upon while sitting outside on the deck.) When relaxing back here, one does feel transported to another world, time and place; it's very secluded with great views of the hills, birds chirping away and large trees in every yard. This outdoor area is where Claire entertains, and it informs her way of living, eating and cooking.

Many of Claire's ceramics are made by local artists and friends. The size of her kitchen is largely influenced what she brings into it. Because it's a small space, Claire keeps only the best, longest-lasting pieces that fit comfortably into a few cabinets. This way of living is so inspirational, especially for those of us who also live and cook in small kitchens.

8. What are you cooking this week?
I'm all about heirloom Kokuho brown rice right now. I add whatever vegetables or protein I have on hand and then either Cookbook's pickled beets or Erewhon's kimchee, toasted nori and a handful of sesame seeds. It's the best balanced easy meal.